Share a Little and Save a Life

SHARE A LITTLE AND SAVE A LIFE !!!

Every year thousands of South Africans, of all ages and races, are diagnosed with life threatening blood diseases such as Leukaemia ,Aplastic Anaemia and other inherited genetic blood disorders. In these patients the normal healthy blood cells, that are produced in the bone marrow and which keep the body working are replaced by damaged ones. Thus for many, a matched bone marrow stem cell transplant is the only treatment option.

For the lucky ones a brother or sister is found to be a match, however many are not that lucky and so have to search elsewhere, a task more daunting and traumatic than the transplant itself in view of the fact that there are over 100 000 different combinations.

The donation of bone marrow stem cells is a simple procedure, bone marrow is not taken from the donor’s bones nor does the donor need to go to hospital. The stem cells are simply filtered out of the blood with the rest of the blood components being returned.

Each person’s individual combination has been genetically passed on to them from their parents, who received their combination from their parents and so forth, back numerous generations. Therefore in view of South Africa’s mixed genetic background it is even harder to find a compatible donor and so it is extremely important that South Africa has its own database of possible donors and the larger that database the greater and faster the chance of finding that perfect match.

How you can help!

Only two teaspoons of blood are required for a blood test to obtain your specific tissue typing (combination). This blood test identifies the inherited characteristics on your white blood cells (These produce the body’s immunological response to “invaders”) The results are then added to the National Bone Marrow Registry’s database, which is searched not only by local but also by overseas doctors.

Should your name appear as a possible match you will be contacted by telephone and asked to supply additional blood samples to ascertain if you are a perfect match.. As this could be at any time until your 60th birthday it is vitally important that you keep the database updated as to your current contact details.

Where you can go to have the blood test!

Firstly you must be aged between 18 and 50, in good health( not been treated for any serious illness) and not on any permanent (chronic) medication.

You can have the blood test taken at any of the following: -

In Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Province and the Free State

At any SANBS permanent clinic, contact 0800 11 90 31 for queries

In Kwa-Zulu Natal

At any SANBS permanent clinic, contact 031 719 6500 for queries

In Western and Northern Cape

At any Pathcare Lab, contact 021 410 3300 for queries

In Eastern Cape

At any SANBS permanent clinic, contact 041 391 8200 for queries

You will also have to complete a registration form concerning your contact details and health.

Plus as the Registry does not receive any Government funding and the cost of this specialized blood test is expensive, a once off donation of R200 is required towards this initial test. Monies to be deposited into the Sunflower Fund bank account held at ABSA, Constantia Village - account no 4051834719, branch code 632005 (Sponsorship is available from the Sunflower fund, call toll free 0800 12 10 82 to obtain a voucher).

The patient carries the costs for all further tests.

What happens if you are a perfect match!

If you agree to donate your stem cells, before proceeding, you will be given a full medical examination to ensure that you will come to no harm. You will then be given growth factor injections to increase the production of stem cells in your bone marrow.

The extra stem cells then enter the blood stream from where they are harvested using a cell separator machine. These “Harvests” are completed at your nearest Apheresis unit in either Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein or Durban. (Transport will be arranged to take you there and home again) This simple procedureentails you being connected to the machine via an intravenous line (just like giving blood) for 4 to 5 hours during which time you will be well looked after. The precious stem cells are then transported to the patient by courier where they are administrated via a drip.

Frequently Asked Questions answered !

Can I register if I am taking Medicine for ……….?

Most standard medicines do not affect the test results. However if you are taking chronic medicine which you cannot stop taking or have had a life threatening / infectious disease we thank you for your interest but must decline your offer.

Can I register if I have just given blood?

Yes, as initially you are only giving one test-tube (two teaspoons of blood) to be tested. This has no effect on your body at all; therefore you can do this before, during or after giving blood.

Can I ‘catch’ something whist having blood drawn or my stem cells harvested?

Fully qualified nurses, using properly sterilized equipment handle the drawing of the blood sample / harvesting of the stem cells. The needle / tube / bag have not been previously used and it are disposed of afterwards. Therefore you will not ‘catch’ anything.

Can I register for a specific person only?

NO, you cannot specify for whom the data is held plus the chance of you being a match for one specifically nominated person is extremely rare. However you may request that your details be removed from the registry at any time but, in view of the fact, you could be able to save a life, does it really matter for whom you may be a match?

For more information please refer to the South African National Bone Marrow Registry web site at or the Sunflower web site at